With the increasing risks of cyber attacks, threats on organizations are elevating at an alarming rate. Your organization may have placed security software at the place or dedicated an entire team for the purpose, but that is just not enough.
Employees in any firm are the weakest link in cyber security chain as they can be easily interpreted through sophisticated attacks. Moreover, hackers are very well aware of that fact. The stats, 90% of cyber attacks on organizations are being targeted through employees speak the truth.
As a safeguard to this problem, various cyber security companies across the world have developed cyber attack simulators. Moreover, awareness and training are imparted to educate and prepare the employees.
We have listed down the top 5 cyber attack simulators describing their features on the parameters such as attack vectors, simulation procedures, and training methodology. Along with these, we have also tried to point out an advantage of the tool over the others. We believe this might help you decide which tool to select for your organization’s safety depending on your requirements.
#1 ThreatCop
ThreatCop is recognized as “The Most Innovative Product of the Year 2017” by DSCI NASSCOM, and also achieved the “Leader” badge of Spring 2021 from SourceForge. ThreatCop, a flagship product of Kratikal, is a cyber attack simulator and awareness tool. It provides a real-time simulation of all the latest cyber attacks targeted at the employees of an organization. Also, helps in reducing the cyber risks by up to 90%.
Attack Vectors: Phishing, Ransomware, Risk of Removable Media, Cyber Scam, Vishing, and Smishing.
Simulation Procedures and Training Methodology: It follows a four-step cycle for each attack vector individually.
First, the tool simulates an attack vector in real-time. Then it monitors every action and behavior of the employees towards the simulated attack by calculating the Employee Vulnerability Score (EVS). Based on the EVS, a company can impart knowledge with lecture videos, PDFs, presentations, info-graphics, advisories, etc. This is carried out for each and every employee. ThreatCop deploys regular cumulative assessments for analyzing the impact of awareness. Finally, the second round of simulation is carried out with an entirely different design and template. This is done to compare the “before and after” behavior of an employee towards the simulated attacks.
A company can also schedule the training campaigns based on the preferred schedules, also tailor the campaigns based on the requirements.
Advantages:
· Simulates 6 cyber attack vectors individually
· Assesses the Employee Vulnerability Score and the most vulnerable department/team
· Tracks the historical hack record of employees
· Provides real-time threat posture of an organization
#2 Knowbe4
Knowbe4 is an incorporated platform for security awareness training and simulated phishing tests which focuses on the problem of social engineering. Knowbe4’s cloud-based service helps its’ clients to schedule automated training campaigns and simulated phishing attacks.
Attack Vectors: Phishing.
Simulation Procedures and Training Methodology: Organizations can themselves select phishing templates and landing pages. After the simulation, users are shown which red flags they missed, and within 24 hours a PDF is emailed which provides phish-prone % and charts to share with management.
Employees are given comprehensive awareness training using actual attacks and live demonstration examples. It is ensured that the employees understand the mechanism of various phishing techniques.
Advantages:
· Training sessions are performed using live demonstrations and actual attack examples
· Provides a comparison chart of the organization with others in the industry
#3 PhishMe
PhishMe is designed to change risky behavior and proactively engage employees in simulations, training them to detect and report phishing threats. Simulations are designed based on real-time threats for various phishing tactics. PhishMe’s Threat Intelligence Service analyses phishing activity against verified threats.
Attack Vectors: Phishing
Simulation Procedures and Training Methodology: Real-time-based simulations offer scenarios over a wide variety of phishing tactics such as Ransomware, Business Email Compromise (BEC), etc. Immediate validation of simulations is provided acknowledging employees about their responsiveness to the threat.
PhishMe’s online forum provides employees a series of scenarios, landing pages of phishing emails, attachments, and educational pages. This methodology is distributed over a period of a year giving employees time to understand various phishing tactics.
Advantages:
· Real scenerio attack simulations
· Easy reporting
· Suitable security responses
#4 Wombat
Wombat offers automated phishing tests and training modules. It also provides support to help build up best practices and positive behavior at the workplace.
Wombat claims that its’ customers have observed a good reduction in successful attacks with this four-step continuous training method.
Attack Vectors: Phishing
Simulation Procedures and Training Methodology: Wombat’s continuous cyclic approach of Assessment, Education, Reinforcement, and Measurement to evolve the program over time delivering targeted training at the moment of need. Assessing employee’s knowledge and organizations’ susceptibility. Wombat also provides customized simulated attacks and learning elements and tips for those falling prey to attacks.
Advantages:
· Research-oriented approach
· Provides a report on the trend of phishing attacks and training effectiveness
#5 PhishingBox
PhishingBox is an online solution for conducting phishing simulations and making employees more cyber aware. PhishingBox provides a platform that trains employees against susceptibility to spear-phishing, ransomware attacks, and social engineering tactics. Moreover, management can track employee’s progress with the help of real-time reporting.
Attack Vectors: Phishing
Simulation Procedures and Training Methodology: A phishing simulation is carried out across the organization targeting the selected group of employees. Soon after the simulation is performed a result is generated on the company’s portal displaying a vulnerability score. Those falling prey to attacks is automatically enrolled in training courses.
Advantages:
· Works on multi-client system
· Employees can be grouped for carrying out simulations.
Of all attack simulators, select one which best suits your requirements and train your employees to become an active line of defense instead of sitting targets. Nevertheless, which one you choose, a trained employee is a must to create a healthy cyber workplace and to secure your organization.
